Section a Political Issues in the UK

Section A – Political Issues in the UK

Study Theme 1A

Government and Decision Making in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding of Modern Studies relating to the Scottish political system and structure. The skills that you will acquire in Modern Studies will aid your learning in other subjects.

At Intermediate 1 and 2 level Modern Studies encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own learning. It is important that you attend lessons, arrive to class on time, pay attention in class (ask your teacher if you are unsure of anything) and complete homework. In addition, to be successful in Modern Studies it is important that you dedicate time at home to study/revision. Finally, you can improve your knowledge by reading newspapers, watching news and current affairs programmes and finding out more about the Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government by visiting their websites at and www.scotland.gov.uk

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Descriptor
Decision making in Scotland: the Scottish Parliament; the Government; the powers, structure and functions of the Scottish Parliament and Government. The functions of local councils and councillors.
Influences on the decision making process in Scotland: the voting system, the media and pressure groups. Case Study: evaluation of pressure groups in action. / Background: context of Scottish political system within the UK political system. (This area will not be examined specifically.)
Principle of devolution.
Scottish Parliament:
♦ devolved matters
♦ f ♦ functions of Scottish Parliament:
— - discussion and passing of laws on devolved matters
— - representation of Scottish voters
— - scrutiny of Government
— - role of MSPs
— work of committees
♦ the composition of Scottish Parliament
♦ the impact of the voting system
♦ results of elections to Scottish Parliament
Role of Government:
♦ making of policy in devolved matters
♦ control of devolved areas
♦ nature of coalition
Local Councils:
♦ areas of responsibility
♦ finance
♦ role of councillors
Role of different forms of media on the decision making process:
♦ television/radio
♦ press
♦ Internet
Pressure Groups:
♦ types of pressure groups
♦ membership
♦ methods used by pressure groups
♦ effectiveness of different methods

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Scottish Parliament Glossary

Act: A law passed by the Scottish Parliament that has received the Queen’s Royal Assent.

Bill: A set of proposals that might become a law, if Parliament agrees to it.

Coalition: An arrangement between more than one political party. This happens when no party wins more than half of the total number of seats in Parliament.

Committee: A group of MSPs from different parties. Each committee deals with a specialised topic e.g. Education Committee

Constituency: Scotland is divided up into 73 local areas for elections. Each local area is called a constituency. The people in each constituency elect an MSP to represent them.

Constituency MSPs: The MSPs elected to represent one particular constituency in Scotland. There are 73 of them and they are elected by the ‘first-past-the post’ system.

Debate: A discussion that takes place between MSPs, which will often lead to a vote.

Debating Chamber: A large meeting area where all the MSPs meet to discuss issues and vote. In the Scottish Parliament it is a horseshoe shape to encourage discussion.

Democracy: ‘Power to the People’. Everyone in the country should have a say in what happens and what is decided. In democratic countries people have rights and responsibilities. People can participate in elections, criticise the government(s) and enjoy freedom of speech.

Devolution: Where the power to do things moves closer to the people who are affected. The Scottish Parliament was opened in 1999 to give Scotland more control over its own affairs.

Devolved Powers/Matters: The issues that are decided upon in Scotland. The devolved matters are the areas where the Scottish Parliament has decision-making power e.g. education.

First Minister: Scotland’s Prime Minister.

Holyrood: The Scottish Parliament is often referred to as Holyrood because it is the area of Edinburgh where it is situated.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

MSPs: Members of the Scottish Parliament. These politicians are elected to represent the people of Scotland in the Scottish Parliament; there are 129 MSPs.

Ministers: MSPs who are also members of the Scottish Government.

Minority Government: A government formed by a party who does not have the support of over half the total number of seats in the Parliament.

Overall Majority: When a political party has more than half of the total number of seats in Parliament.

Participation: The idea of ‘taking part. You can participate by voting in an election, standing for election, joining a political party or taking part in a campaign to change something you feel strongly about.

Presiding Officer: The Presiding Officer makes sure that the business of the Parliament is carried out on time, fairly, within the rules and in an orderly manner.

Referendum: A referendum is held when a government wants to find out what the people think about a particular subject. In 1997 the Labour Government in Westminster held a referendum in Scotland to see if the Scottish people wanted a Scottish Parliament.

Region: Scotland is divided into local areas called constituencies for elections. It is also divided up into 8 larger areas called regions and Scotland has 7 regional MSPs to represent each region.

Regional MSPs: There are 56 Regional MSPs in the Scottish Parliament. They have the same responsibilities as Constituency MSPs, although they cover a larger area. These MSPs are elected by the additional members system.

Representation: To act on behalf of someone else. MSPs represent the people living in the area where they were elected regardless of what party a person voted for in the election. They do this is many different ways e.g. hold a surgery in their constituency where people can raise problems/issues, asking questions in Parliament and propose new laws to change things.

Reserved Powers/Matters: The issues that are still decided by the British Parliament in Westminster e.g. defence, immigration and social security.

Royal Assent: when the Scottish Parliament has passed a Bill, the Queen is asked for her approval. When she has signed it, it becomes an Act.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Queen Elizabeth II officially opened the Scottish Parliament on 1st July 1999 after nearly 300 years of British rule. In order to understand the importance of the Scottish Parliament in meeting the needs of the people of Scotland today, we need to understand the history of our country.

Brief History

For hundreds of years Scotland’s history and future was linked to bloody battles with England – the ‘auld enemy’.

1286Death of Scottish King Alexander III

1296 English King Edward I aka ‘Hammer of the Scots’ invaded Scotland and

took control of the country

1297 Battle of Stirling – Scots victory led by William Wallace and Andrew

Murray

1298 Battle of Falkirk – English victory led by King Edward I. Wm Wallace went

into exile and resigned as Guardian of Scotland

1314Battle of Bannockburn – Scots victory led by Robert the Bruce. Scotland had independence for almost 400 years

1567Queen Mary Stuart of Scotland forced to abdicate and her one year old son James VI became King of Scotland

1587 Mary Stuart was executed

1603Queen Elizabeth of England died and James was offered the throne and became James I of England and Ireland and continued to rule Scotland

1707Act of Union was ratified by Scotland and England. Article III stated “that the united Kingdom of Great-Britain be represented by one and the same Parliament, to be stiled the parliament of Great-Britain”. This meant that the Scottish Parliament no longer passed legislation and all laws were now made by the British Parliament based in Westminster, London. Scotland was no longer an independent country.

1885The Scottish Office was established (government department that was responsible for looking after Scotland’s interests).

1997Tony Blair’s Labour Party became government of Britain and promised the people of Scotland a referendum. On 11th September, Scottish voters were asked “should there be a Scottish Parliament?” and 74.3% of the electorate voted yes.

1998On 19th November, Scotland Act passed by UK Parliament. “There shall be a Scottish Parliament”.

1999 The 6th May was the first election to the Scottish Parliament and the 12th May was the first day of business in the Parliament. The people of Scotland were given their own Parliament once again.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Despite the Act of Union in 1707, Scotland maintained her own culture and identity. Below are a few examples:-

Religion - Church of Scotland

Education - different school exams e.g. access 3, standard grades, intermediates, standard grade, highers and advanced highers. Also, university degrees take a year longer in Scotland

Legal system - different court systems and three verdicts including the controversial ‘not proven’ verdict. In addition, in Scotland we have the Children’s Hearing that aims to help the child rather than punish

Language - Gaelic (spoken in the WesternHighlands and Islands, Doric in Aberdeenshire and Shetland and Orkney’s language is influenced by Norse words

Sport - football, rugby for example have different leagues and competitions and both have national teams. We also have very dedicated supporters – the tartan army

Food – haggis, shortbread, Scotch pies and Scotch eggs

Drink – irn-bru and whiskey

Literature – Rabbie Burns, Edwin Morgan, Sir Walter Scott and Irvine Welsh

Media – STV, Gaelic language television programmes, newspapers e.g. Daily Record, Sunday Mail, Scotsman and Herald

Politics – SNP, Scottish Labour Party, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Lib-Dems

Music – folk music and bagpipes, small pipes, accordion and whistle

Dance – Scottish Highland dancing

Dress – Kilt and sporran

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Since 1707 a large per cent age of Scotland’s population have been unhappy with Scotland’s affairs being controlled from London.

In 1934, the Scottish National Party was formed and their aim is for a fully independent Scotland. However, many Scottish people want to remain part of the UK but simply wanted more control and power to decide and implement laws affecting Scotland, this is called devolution.

Since the 1960s the Labour Party has been the most popular party in Scotland, although not necessarily in the U.K. In 1997, one of the Labour Party’s manifesto promises was to give the people of Scotland a referendum (vote) on the creation of a Scottish Parliament if they won the general election.

Following the Labour Party victory, in September 1997 the people of Scotland were given a referendum and were asked two questions:-

QuestionYes%No%

Should there be a Scottish Parliament 74.325.7

Should any new Scottish Parliament be

able to vary the rate of tax?63.536.5

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Arguments for the Scottish Parliament

1997 referendum, 75% voted in favour of devolution.

Scotland has its own culture, traditions, legal system and education system; therefore it requires Scottish political knowledge to be in control of Scottish affairs.

Having our own parliament makes politicians more accountable to voters.

Due to Scotland’s small population our voice (vote) was unheard and governments that we did not choose to represent us ended governing our country.

Arguments against the Scottish Parliament

SNP want full independence from London.

Some people see devolution as a threat to the Union.

Edinburgh and London have clashed on a number of reserved and devolved powers.

London has the real power and can shut down the Scottish Parliament.

London still governs Scotland, only now we have another government looking after some of our interests.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Devolved Powers

In 1999, the British Parliament in Westminster, London handed down many important powers to the Scottish Parliament, thus enabling them to create new laws, amend existing laws and to abolish laws. Listed below are the devolved powers: -

The British Parliament in Westminster is sovereign (has ultimate power) and has retained many powers. We call these reserved powers. Only the UK Parliament can pass laws on reserved matters. Listed below are the reserved powers:-

The Welsh Assembly, the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Greater London Authority (Mayor of London and London Assembly) are other examples of devolution.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Key Principles of the Scottish Parliament

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

The Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government

The Scottish Parliament opened in 1999 and is made up of 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs). Most people over the age of 18 years who live in Scotland can vote in an election to decide who their MSPs will be for the next 4 years.

People in Scotland have 8 MSPs who can represent them. One MSP works for people in a constituency, or local area. The other 7 MSPs work for people in the region (bigger areas).

73 Constituency MSPs

56 Regional MSPs

The Scottish Parliament scrutinises the Scottish Government, scrutinises Bills and passes laws.

Elections

S.P. General Elections for the S.P. take place every four years, normally on the first Thursday in May. Unlike the British General Election where the Prime Minister has the power to set the date of the next general election, Scotland’s First Minister cannot call an election before the end of four years. Only in extraordinary circumstances can the date be changed by a two-thirds majority of all MSPs.

MSPs

The MSPs who are not part of the Scottish Government try to make sure that the First Minister, Cabinet Secretaries and Ministers do a good job.

The Scottish Government

The Scottish Government is made up of about 16 MSPs from the biggest party or parties. In 2007, the SNP won the most seats. The Scottish Government decides how to implement the policies that Parliament says should happen. The Scottish Government also decides how much money should be spent on devolved matters. The Scottish Parliament receives money from the UK Parliament.

First Minister, Cabinet Secretaries, Ministers and Law Officers

The Scottish Government suggests the majority of new Bills and is responsible for government departments and spending.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

1999 Election Result

2003 Election Result

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

2007 Election Result

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Functions of the Scottish Parliament

A government is the organization through which political parties exercises their authority, controls and administers public policy and directs and controls the actions of its citizens.

Since 1999, the main function of the Scottish Parliament is to govern the country and make laws, which affect the citizens of Scotlandin relation to devolved matters. It is able to amend or repeal existing Acts of the UK Parliament and to pass new legislation of its own in relation to devolved matters. To debate important topical issues. It is also able to consider and pass private legislation, in relation to devolved matters e.g. health, education and housing etc.Finally, to conduct inquiries and publish reports.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Discussion and Passing of Laws on Devolved Matters

The Scottish Parliament is able to make laws on the areas devolved to it. A new law starts as a bill (draft laws) that gives details of what a new law will be, or what changes will be made to an existing law and it is presented to Parliament.

Bills are either public or private.

Bills can be introduced to Parliament in a number of different ways; the Scottish Government can introduce new laws or amend existing laws; a committee of the Parliament can present a bill in one of the areas under its remit; an MSP can introduce a bill as a private member; or a private bill can be submitted to Parliament by an outside proposer. Most draft laws are government bills introduced by government ministers.

A Public Bill seeks to change the general law and can be introduced by a Government Minister, a parliamentary committee (“Committee Bill”), or an MSP (a Member’s Bill”).

Private Billsnormally relate to large-scale development projects such as infrastructure projects that require the use of land or property. Private Bill Committees have been set up to consider legislation on issues such as the development of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link and Edinburgh Tram Network.

Study Theme 1A: Government and Decision Making in Scotland

Recent Legislation that the Scottish Parliament has made:-

2000Student Tuition Fees

Student university tuition fees were scrapped.

2002The Community Car and Health (Scotland) Act

This Act gives free personal and nursing care to elderly people.

2002Foxhunting Ban (Scotland) Act

This Act banned foxhunting in Scotland. The Scottish Parliament introduced this law before it was passed by Westminster.

2001The Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act

It gave people the legal right to access information held by a wide range of Scottish public authorities, including the Scottish Parliament and local government.

2003The Education (Additional Support for Learning) (Scotland) Act

This Act says that schools and local councils must give extra help to children who need it.